Broadcast Surcharge

Across the country, broadcasters have been demanding dramatic fee increases from cable and satellite TV operators and threatening to withdraw their signals if their unreasonable terms are not met.

In 1992 the federal government gave local television stations the unilateral decision to grant or deny permission for exclusive market carriage of their television signal by the local cable company. These rules were designed to protect the broadcasters and expand their reach during the growth of cable. An unintended result of these guidelines occurred as the broadcasters turned this protection into huge financial gain with high yearly increases in excess of inflation. Broadcasters have unrestrained leverage in negotiations with cable operators, particularly those who are small and medium-sized, over the price of retransmission.

As a voter, you can help change this however. NewWave Communications can send a letter to your Congressman on your behalf to inform them that you would like to see broadcast carriage rules reformed.

If you would like for NewWave Communications to send a letter on your behalf, please fill out the form below and click submit.